Srinagar: In yet another move underscoring New Delhi’s tightening grip over Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the BJP-led Indian government has empowered Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, to exercise sweeping powers related to telecom services in the territory, further diminishing the already limited powers of the elected government.
According to Kashmir24, a notification issued by the Indian government stated that the President of India has authorised the IIOJK Lieutenant Governor to exercise the powers of the “state government” under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The provision allows the Indian government, state government, or any “specially authorised officer” to impose restrictions on telecom networks and services on grounds of “sovereignty and integrity of India, defence and security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order,” and for preventing cognisable offences.
The powers granted include interception of calls and messages, surveillance and decryption of communications, suspension of telecom services, and blocking of transmissions during public emergencies or in the interest of public safety.